Modular deck system for use with movable platforms

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a modular deck system that utilizes a combination of a movable platform having a plurality of vertical posts with engagement members. Decks, filled with freight, can be placed onto the vertical posts at various heights at different sections of the movable platform using a conveyance vehicle. Further, the height of the vertical posts can be extended using an extension post for securing tall cargo. The decks can also be locked to the vertical posts to prevent dislodgement of the deck during transport of the movable platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/414,967, filed Oct. 31, 2016, and U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/510,032, filed May 23, 2017, the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a modular deck system in which theheight or location of decks can be adjusted on a movable platform (MP).

BACKGROUND

The trucking industry, specifically the segment consisting ofFull-Truckload (FTL) and Less-than-truckload (LTL), is a segment of theshipping industry that ships a wide array of freight. The shipment sizescan vary from an individual item consisting of one piece to a fulltruckload consisting of several pieces. FTL freight is typically handledonly once as it is loaded into a semi-trailer at the shipper's locationand unloaded at the consignee's location. In the LTL industry, freightis commonly handled multiple times, with the shipper loading the freightinto a semi-trailer, then the freight is returned to a local freightterminal to be unloaded/loaded into a another trailer to be routed tothe destination. This process, commonly known as a hub-and-spokenetwork, is used to increase the efficiency of the operation byincreasing density.

The traditional method of loading freight into a semi-trailer is to backa semi-trailer to a raised dock and unload each piece/pallet using aforklift. A 53′ semi-trailer van can hold up to 30 pallets on the floorof the trailer. To unload a loaded semi-trailer conventionally, itrequires a single forklift driver to drive into the trailer to pick-upand remove each pallet. During this unloading process, a driver couldtake up to 30 trips into the trailer to remove each pallet. This processis typically completed utilizing 1 forklift driver but it is possible toutilize 2 forklift drivers to unload a trailer simultaneously.

As should be apparent, this process is wasteful in that the forklift isoften not conveying cargo (empty carries). Also, because the trailer isnot connected to the dock, the forklift driver must be careful each timethat they enter and exit the trailer. This further reduces the speed ofthe process. Therefore, there is clearly a need for a more efficientplatform which can be used to easily remove freight from a trailer.

Further, in cross-dock operations, there is generally no easy way tomodify or stack pallets or freight. This can lead to a great deal ofunused capacity in a trailer. Accordingly the present invention providesa modular system enabling the easy stacking and bulk movement of freightnot previously realized.

SUMMARY

The present invention utilizes a combination of a movable platformhaving a plurality of vertical posts with engagement members. Decks,filled with freight, can be placed onto the vertical posts at variousheights at different sections of the movable platform using a conveyancevehicle. Further, the height of the vertical posts can be extended usingan extension post for securing tall cargo. The decks can also be lockedto the vertical posts to prevent dislodgement of the deck duringtransport of the movable platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the modular deck system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an enhanced view of the movable platform (MP) showing theconnection for a vertical post.

FIG. 3 depicts a vertical post attached to an MP with an extension postextended.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict views of the vertical post in isolation.

FIGS. 5A-5D depict views of the engagement member in isolation.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view showing an engagement member attached to avertical post.

FIG. 7A-7D depict views of the extension post.

FIG. 8A-8C depict views of the locking system for the extension post.

FIG. 9A-9D depict views of the deck in isolation.

FIG. 10 depicts the insertion of the pin of the hanger bracket into theengagement member.

FIGS. 11A-11B depict the locking mechanism used for locking a deck to avertical post.

FIGS. 12-15 depict an adjustable shoring beam compatible with thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of an alternate embodiment for a deck.

FIGS. 17A-17B depict alternate embodiments of the engagement members.

FIG. 18 depicts an alternate view of a vertical post having a hookplate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, depicted are the principal components of themodular deck system 100. As shown, modular deck system 100 generallycomprises movable platform (MP) 102, decks 104, and vertical posts 106.Each vertical post 106 has a plurality of engagement members 108 whichinterlocks with a receiving structure (shown later) on deck 104.Preferably, the engagement members 108 are removable/replaceable fromvertical posts 106. However, a plurality of engagement members 108 maybe provided at a plurality of fixed heights on each vertical post 106for uniformity. The engagement members 108 allow the height of decks 104to be adjusted as will be described later.

The length and width of MP 102 are such that MP 102 is easilyaccommodated within a standard pup trailer. In a preferred embodiment,the length of MP 102 is 26 ft. and the width of MP 102 is 8 ft. However,it should be apparent that the length and width of MP 102 can be variedto accommodate any trailer dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 2, a bottom end of each vertical post 106 is connectedto receiving structure 110 which forms a portion of the base of MP 102.Bolts 112 can be used to secure vertical posts 106 in receivingstructures 110. This allows vertical posts 106 to be removed in no decks104 are needed on a particular section of MP 102, thus increasing themodularity of modular deck system 100. The vertical posts 106 can alsobe permanently attached to MP 102 by welding.

Referring again to FIG. 1, vertical posts 106 are preferably equallyspaced along the length of MP 102 in pairs. This allows all decks 104 tobe made a standard rectangular or square size which reducesmanufacturing costs. However, it should be apparent that the distancebetween pairs of vertical posts 106 can be varied. This modificationwould require that the decks 104 be manufactured in different widths andlengths.

The vertical posts 106 located at the ends of MP 102 are preferably setback from the end of MP 102 by at least a width of the engagementmembers 108 (e.g., 4″) to allow for easier loading of MP 102 into atrailer. However, it should be apparent that vertical posts 106 may alsobe located at an edge of MP 102. In such an embodiment, it may bedesirable to only have engagement members 108 located along inner edgesof vertical posts 106 along MP 102.

Vertical Post Components

FIG. 3 depicts vertical post 106 inserted into receiving structure 110and fixed with bolts 112. In this figure, the engagement members 108 canbe seen in more detail. Further, extension post 114 can be seenextending from a top surface and interior of vertical post 106. As willbe explained in more detail later, extension post 114 allows the heightof vertical posts 106 to be increased up to 50%.

In other embodiments, extension posts 114 may be configured to extend afixed distance based on a known height of a trailer (e.g., 20″). Thisprovides a height gauge that can be used by a worker when loadingfreight onto MP 102 or decks 104.

Each vertical post 106 is preferably a square or rectangular incross-section and is made from a durable metal such as steel oraluminum. Each vertical post 106 is preferably around 5-7′ in height,but more preferably 6′. The square cross-section length and width ispreferably 2-4″, but more preferably approximately 4″. Further, theedges of each vertical post 106 either have a 45° chamfer or a 90°corner on each of the four edges.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict left, front, right, and rear side views,respectively, of vertical post 106 in isolation. The terms left, front,right, and rear as used herein are only meant to distinguish the foursides of the vertical post 106. The sides of vertical posts 106 are ableto utilize any combination of the sides described below. For example, avertical post 106 located at a corner of MP 102 may have engagementmembers 108 located on perpendicular sides of vertical post 106(front/rear and sides) whereas a vertical post located at a midpoint ofMP 102 may have engagement members 108 located on opposing sides ofvertical post 106 (front and rear, or left and right).

Referring first to FIG. 4A, vertical post 106 preferably contains aplurality of vertical slots 402 evenly spaced along its length along thecenter. Preferably, each vertical post 106 is constructed from standardtubular steel or aluminum. However, in some embodiments, vertical post106 may also include chamfered edges 404. Each vertical slot 402preferably has a length of approximately 2-3″, but more preferablyapproximately 2.4″. Further, each vertical slot 402 preferably has awidth of 0.5-0.6″, but more preferably 0.55″. The first vertical slot402 from the top of vertical post 106 is preferably spaced 6-7″ from thetop, but more preferably 6.1″. Further, the spacing between an end ofone vertical slot 402 and the beginning of the next is approximately6-7″, but more preferably 6.6″. It should be apparent that the number ofvertical slots 402 is only limited by the height of vertical post 106.The vertical slots 402 are generally utilized to place securement suchas shoring beams or webbing to secure freight to MP 102.

The bottom edge of the left side of each vertical post 106 furthercomprises two fixing holes 406 which are aligned with the bolt holes inreceiving structure 110 to receive bolts 112 placed there through. Ascrew plate, or other fixing means, can be used in the interior ofvertical post 106 to receive the ends of the bolts 112 and to create amore secure connection between vertical post 106 and receiving structure110.

FIG. 4B depicts a front view of vertical post 106. The bottom of thefront of vertical post 106 again comprises an additional two fixingholes 406 for receiving bolts placed through receiving structure 110.The front of vertical post 106 also preferably contains a plurality ofvertical slots 402 having the same spacing and dimensions shown in FIG.4A. Between the vertical slots 402 are a plurality of engagement memberreceiving structures 408 formed from receiving hole 410 and bolt hole412. As will be described later, the larger receiving holes 410 aresized to accommodate a hanging structure on each engagement member 108and bolt hole 412 is used to fix an engagement member 108 after it hasbeen inserted into receiving hole 410.

Each receiving hole 410 is approximately 1.1-1.2″ in diameter, but morepreferably 1.15″. Further, a distance between a center of each receivinghole 410 shown in FIG. 4B is preferably 8-10″, but more preferably 9″.Further, a distance from a top of vertical post 106 to a center of thefirst receiving hole 410 is preferably 1.5-2″, but more preferably1.75″. Like vertical slots 402, the number and spacing of engagementmember receiving structures 408 is only limited by the length ofvertical post 106.

FIG. 4C depicts a right side view of vertical post 106. This side ofvertical post 106 comprises extension button 414 which is used to enablethe extension/retraction of extension post 114 as will be describedlater.

FIG. 4D depicts a rear view of vertical post 106. The rear view ofvertical post 106 is substantially identical to the front view shown inFIG. 4B except there are no fixing holes 406 located at the bottom ofvertical post 406. However, it should be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that the right side, or any side, could also includefixing holes 406 if necessary.

Engagement Members

Referring next to FIGS. 5A-5D, depicted are various views of a singleengagement member 108 in isolation. Referring first to FIG. 5A, depictedis a front perspective view of engagement member 108 showing itsprincipal components. Generally, engagement member 108 comprises hangingmember 502, face plate 504, and receiving cup 506. Hanging member 502 issized to allow engagement member 108 to be inserted into receiving hole410 by first inserting lip 508 into receiving hole 410 at an angle andthen rotating engagement member 108 in a downward direction until theflat rear surface of face plate 504 engages an exterior of vertical post106 and a front surface of lip 508 engages an interior surface ofvertical post 106. A bolt can then be placed through bolt holes 510 and412 to fix engagement member 108 to vertical post 106. FIGS. 5B and 5Cdepict that a lower portion 512 of hanging member 502 has asemi-circular shape which mates with receiving hole 410 to help preventmovement of engagement member 108.

FIG. 5C depicts a top perspective view of engagement member 108 showingadditional details about receiving cup 506. Generally, receiving cup 506comprises receiving surface 514 and receiving hole 516. The top ofreceiving cup 506 has a rectangular shaped cross-section having curvedsides. Receiving surface 514 and receiving hole 516 form a “funnel-like”structure that guides any pin type structure placed anywhere withinreceiving cup 506 into receiving hole 516. Receiving hole 516 preferablyhas a diameter of approximately 1″. Receiving surface 514 may be formedfrom one or more curved and/or angled surfaces as shown in FIG. 5C. Theopening to receiving cup 506 is preferably 2-3″ in width and 2-4″ inlength with a total depth of approximately 2-2.5″.

FIG. 5D depicts a front view of an engagement member 108. Receiving cup506 preferably further comprises curved bore 518 along its center whichintersects with receiving hole 516. Curved bore 518 is designed tointerface with a locking mechanism (to be described later) which can beused to lock decks 104 onto vertical posts 106.

FIG. 6 shows an engagement member 108 inserted into an engagement memberreceiving structure 408 of vertical post 106. As already described, afront surface of lip 508 contacts an interior of vertical post 106 andthe flat rear surface of face plate 504 contacts an exterior of verticalpost 106. Further, lower portion 512 of hanging member 502 fills themajority of receiving hole 410. Bolt 520 is placed through bolt holes510 and 412 to releasably secure engagement member 108 to vertical post106.

Extension Post

Referring next to FIG. 7A, shown is close-up perspective view ofextension post 114 extending from vertical post 106. As shown, extensionpost 114 must have a slightly smaller length and width than that ofvertical post 106 to allow extension post 114 to easily slide relativeto vertical post 106. To allow for easier sliding, each corner ofextension post 114 preferably comprises a rail 702. The rails 702 mayall be uniform or varied.

FIG. 7B shows a top cross-section of extension post 114 showing samplerails 702 in more detail. The depicted dimensions are all in inches.FIG. 7B depicts that the rails 702 located on a first side of extensionpost 114 have a first cross-section whereas the rails 702 located on asecond side of extension post 114 have a second cross-section. Thecross-sections depicted in FIG. 7B is meant only to be exemplary and itshould be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that othercross-sections may be utilized. Further, other or additional componentsmay be used in addition to rails such as a greased connection orwheels/bearings.

FIG. 7C depicts extension post 114 in isolation. Extension post 114 mayfurther comprise cap 704 which helps a user lift extension post 114 fromthe top of vertical post 106 and prevents extension post 114 fromaccidentally dropping into vertical post 106, making it harder toretrieve. Cap 704 is also useful in preventing extension post 114 fromsnagging trailers or freight during transport. Cap 704 preferably has alarger cross-section than extension post 114. In a preferred embodiment,cap 704 is preferably 4-5″ in length and/or width.

Extension post 114 is preferably 38-42″ in length, but more preferablyapproximately 39.875″ in length. And, as already described, thedimensions of extension post 114 are only constrained by the sizing ofvertical post 106 which it must fit into.

Extension post 114 also comprises a plurality of vertical slots 706which are preferably identical in size, shape, and spacing to verticalslots 402 depicted in FIG. 4A. The vertical slots may be present on anysides of extension post 114 as required by intended use.

FIG. 7D depicts another side view of extension post 114 showing twolocking holes 708 used to lock extension post 114 in an extendedposition (bottom) and in a collapsed position (top).

Locking System for Extension Post

Extension post 114 may utilize any known method to be maintained in theextended position. For example, the length of extension post 114 maycomprise a number of through holes and a locking pin may be placedthrough vertical post 106 and extension post 114. However, such alocking system may potentially be dangerous in a warehouse setting. If auser is not paying attention and removes the pin, the extension post 114would immediately collapse into vertical post 106 and cap 704 couldinjure the worker as it comes into contact with the top of vertical post106. Therefore, described below is a locking system which allowsextension post 114 to be extended and collapsed in a safer manner.

FIG. 8A depicts locking system 800 engaging a locking hole 708 onextension post 114. Vertical post 106 is shown in phantom so thatlocking system 800 is viewable. Locking system 800 is fixed to aninterior of vertical post 106 using bolts 802. FIG. 8B depicts a frontperspective exploded view of locking system 800 in isolation. Lockingsystem 800 comprises locking member 804, biasing member 806, and spring808.

Locking member 804 comprises button 414 and locking button 810 which issized to fit snugly into locking holes 708 on extension post 114. Acentral portion of locking member 802 comprises rocking member 812 whichis wider than the other portions of locking member 802.

Biasing member 806 includes spring surface 814. Spring 808 is containedbetween spring surface 814 and a rear of button 414. The force exertedon button 414 by spring 808 ensures that locking button 810 remainswithin locking hole 708 until an external force pushes button 414.

Biasing member 806 further comprises central channel 816 as depicted inFIG. 8C. Central channel 816 is wider than the body of locking member804 with the exception of rocking member 812. The upper portion ofbiasing member 806 comprises two recesses 818 sized to accommodaterocking member 812. The lower half of locking button 810 comprises a 45°bevel 820 allowing extension post 114 to be extended without button 414being pressed.

When button 414 is pressed, spring 808 compresses, causing lockingmember 804 to rotate about an axis centered at rocking member 812. Inturn, locking button 810 becomes disengaged from locking hole 708,allowing extension post 114 to be extended or retracted within verticalpost 106.

Locking system 800 is designed to have a total thickness of less than0.5″ when assembled and a width less than the distance between channels702 of extension post 114 so it does not interfere with the extension orcollapsing of extension post 114.

Deck Construction

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of deck 104. Deck 104 comprises beams902 having openings 904 and six cross-members 906 having openings 908. Asingle beam 902 is depicted in FIG. 9B. Beam 902 has a rectangularcross-section approximately 7-9″ in width and approximately 2-4″ inheight. More preferably, the cross-section is 8″ in width and 3″ inheight. The length of each beam 904 is approximately 90″. Beam 902further comprises rectangular cutouts 910 measuring approximately 2.5″in height and 7.5″ in width. Deck 104 preferably has a length ofapproximately 89-90″ and width of approximately 91-92″ for a roll doortrailer and a length of 93-94″ and a width of 91-92″ for a swing doortrailer.

Beams 902 and cross-members 906 are preferably welded together in thelayout depicted in FIG. 9A. Beams 902 and cross-members 906 all haveopen ends which creates two channels extending the entire length of deck104 and two channels extending the entire width of deck 104. Theopenings 904 and 908, as well as the channels, are sized to accommodatestandard forklift tines, thereby allowing deck 104 to be picked up fromany side for conveyance on a cross-dock.

Attached (e.g., welded) to the sides of beams 904 and/or cross-members906 are support members 912 which are used to support decking 914. Asingle piece of decking 914 is shown removed in order to reveal supportmembers 912 in FIG. 9A. The decking 914 is preferably fixed to supportmembers 914 using screws or another releasable connection. The outerborder of decking 914 may comprise cutouts 916 to allow the decking 914to easily be lifted and/or repositioned. Decking 914 is preferably madeof a lightweight and readily available material such as plywood orplastic. However, it should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in theart that other materials, such as metallic mesh, may also be utilized.

The remainder of the outer edge of the frame of deck 104 is formed bydeck beams 918. The connection between beams 902 and cross-members 906with deck beams 918 is preferably a welded connection. However, thecorners of deck 104 may utilize a bolted connection as depicted in FIG.9C. Here, sleeve 920 shown in broken lines, having an L-shape, isinserted into the ends of deck beams 918 before bolts are inserted toconnect the deck beams 918. An end plate 922 may also further be used tostrengthen the connection. As will be shown later, the corners of deck104 must be very rigid because they support the weight of deck 104 whenit is placed on vertical posts 106 as depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9D depicts a perspective view of a corner of deck 104 opposite thatof FIG. 9C. Each corner of deck 104 preferably has the sameconstruction. Specifically, FIG. 9D depicts hanger bracket 924 which isattached to the edge of deck 104 near end plate 922. Hanger bracket 924comprises bolt holes 926 so that hanger bracket can be mounted to deck104 (through deck beams 918 and sleeve 920). Hanger bracket 924 alsocomprises lock opening 928 through which a locking mechanism can beextended/retracted as will be described later. Extension 930 extendsperpendicular from the top face of hanger bracket 924 and terminateswith pin 932. Extension 930 is approximately 2-4″ in length, but morepreferably 3″. Further, pin 932 is preferably 2-3″ in length with a30-40° chamfered tip 934 extending for 0.2-0.3″. The chamfered tip ofpin 932 enables placement of deck 104 on vertical posts 104.

Referring now to FIG. 10, depicted is the placement of pin 932 intoengagement member 108 which occurs as deck 104 is placed onto verticalposts 104. As shown, receiving hole 516 is not much larger than thediameter of pin 932. However, receiving surface 514 is much wider thaneither pin 932 or receiving hole 516. Thus, as long as pin 932 is placedanywhere along receiving surface 514, the angled receiving surface 514will guide pin 932 into receiving hole 516. Further, even if pin 932 islowered when it is at an edge of the receiving cup 506, the chamferedtip 934 of pin 932 will help guide pin 932 onto receiving surface 514and into receiving hole 516. Because deck 104 will typically be placedby a forklift or other conveyance vehicle which may not have greataccuracy or fine positioning, the deck 104 will be properly placed ontovertical posts 106 as long as the forklift tines are lowered when pin932 is anywhere above receiving surface 514 and/or receiving hole 516,allowing for faster placement without requiring exact preciseness.

Locking Mechanism

A locking mechanism 1100 that can be used to lock deck 104 in placed onengagement members 108 is now described with reference to FIGS. 11A and11B. FIG. 11A shows the locking mechanism 1100 before locking. As shown,locking mechanism 1100 generally comprises lock face plate 1102 andlocking pin 1104. In the open position, a first tip of locking pin 1104resides in the left hand side of lock slot 1106. A second tip of lockingpin 1104 resides in lock hole 928 but does not extend past an edge ofhanger bracket 924. When the locking pin 1104 is in this position, itcannot freely slide (to the right) and will remain in this positionduring transport of deck 104.

Locking mechanism 1100 can easily be assembled by first sliding lockingpin 1104 through an opening in deck beam 918 and into lock hole 928(through a corresponding opening in sleeve 920). The lock face plate1102 is then attached to decking beam 918 using any known fasteningmechanisms, such as bolts.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, depicted is locking mechanism 1100 in thelocked position. After pin 932 has been placed into engagement member108, locking pin 1104 is slid across lock slot from the positiondepicted in FIG. 11A to the position depicted in FIG. 11B. As shown,this causes a tip of locking pin 1104 to exit lock hole 928 and extendunder curved bore 518 of engagement member 108. Placing the tip oflocking pin 1104 into the right side of lock slot 1106 also preventslocking mechanism 1100 from accidentally disengaging. The placement oflocking pin 1104 under curved bore 518 prevents deck 104 from beinglifted off vertical posts 106 during transport.

Magnetic Shoring Beam

Referring to FIG. 12, depicted is an adjustable shoring beam 1202 whichcan be placed anywhere in modular deck system 100 using vertical slots402 or 706. Conventional shoring beams are common load-bearing freightsecurement devices that extend and retract with ends that lock intotrack systems, i.e. E-track and A-track. The beam is adjustable byeither one or two sliding subassemblies 1204 located at the ends ofadjustable shoring beam 1202 as depicted in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 13A-13C depict side, top, and isometric views, respectively, ofsliding subassembly 1204 in isolation. The sliding subassembly 1204 iscomprised of the sub-frame 1206 that receives magnetic clip assembly1208 and limits the motion inward and outward from adjustable shoringbeam 1202. The magnetic clip assembly 1208 is fixed to the sub-frame1206 by welding, bolting, or using the existing E-Slot or other trackingsystems' spring locking mechanism to fasten to a beam. A bolt connectionis used in the exemplary drawings.

Referring to FIG. 14A, depicted is magnetic clip assembly 1208 in anisometric view to show the “L” shape as well as the magnet 1210 locatedin recess 1212. Magnet 1210 is fixed to magnetic clip assembly 1208 withbolt 1214. Bolt 1214 allows the ability to remove and install the magnet1210 after magnetic clip assembly 1208 is welded in place.

As already described, the shoring beam can be inserted into verticalslots 402 or 706. Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 15, magnet 1210 canalso be used to maintain a connection between vertical post 106 andadjustable shoring beam 1202. In this embodiment, the magnetic force ofmagnet 1210 provides the force to maintain the vertical resting heightof the adjustable shoring beam 1202 as well as the force required tomaintain the connection between adjustable shoring beam 1202 andvertical post 106, yet maintain the ability to quickly remove adjustableshoring beam 1202 by hand or machine.

Additional Embodiments

FIG. 16 depicts an alternate embodiment of deck 104 described withreference to FIGS. 16-17B. As depicted, deck 104 comprises two beams 902joined by a plurality of cross-members 906. In this embodiment, beams902 do not have rectangular cutouts 910. This leads to a simplifiedconstruction because only three pieces of decking 914 are needed tocreate deck 104. The corner construction is also simplified in that thecorners of deck 108 are joined by two cross-members 906 having 45°angled edges.

Deck 104 depicted in FIG. 16 can also be used with different embodimentsof engagement member 108 as depicted in FIG. 16. As shown in more detailin FIGS. 17A and 17B, engagement member 108 in this embodiment includesa mounting surface 1702 which is welded or bolted to deck 104 as shownin FIG. 16. Engagement member 108 further includes engagement surface1704 which has hole 1706. Hole 1706 is sized so that it can receive apin located on vertical post 106 as will now be described.

FIG. 18 depicts an alternate version of vertical post 106 described inFIGS. 3-4D. In this embodiment, a hook plate 1802 having a plurality ofhooks 1804 is welded or bolted to vertical post 106. The hooks 1804 arepreferably integrally formed with hook plate 1802 and spaced at equalintervals in pairs. Each hook plate 1802 is preferably the same toreduce manufacturing costs. However, it should be apparent that thenumber and spacing of the hooks 1804 can be varied.

Hook plate 1802 and hooks 1804 are preferably formed from a metal, suchas carbon steel. However, other materials may also be utilized to lowerweight and cost of manufacture of hook plate 1802. The size and shape ofhooks 1804 may also be varied.

A central rectangular portion of hook plate 1802 is approximately 5″ orless in width. This allows hooks 1804 to extend beyond the edge ofvertical post 106 when attached. A total length of hook plate 1820 ispreferably approximately 30.75″. Hooks 1804 are preferably approximately0.375″ in thickness in a preferred embodiment. Hooks 1804 have achamfered outside bottom corner to lower the likelihood of damaginggoods when loading freight onto deck 104 or MP 102.

Each hook plate 1802 has four or more pairs of hooks 1804 which arepreferably spaced approximately 10″ apart. However, the number andspacing of pairs of hooks 1804 can be varied.

Preferably, a bottom of hook plate 1802 is attached approximately 30.75″from a bottom of vertical post 106 such that hooks 1804 are only locatedalong an upper portion vertical post 106. Hooks 1804 and/or engagementmembers 108 are not generally needed along the lower portion of verticalpost 106 because freight can be directly stacked on MP 102.

The engagement of hooks 1804 with holes 1706 allows a user to place deck106 at a desired height and location on MP 102 and prevents deck 104from shifting greatly in position after placement.

While the present invention has been described with respect to what ispresently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to beaccorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all suchmodifications and equivalent structures and functions.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A modular deck system comprising: a base; aplurality of vertical posts coupled to the base; a plurality ofengagement members, wherein at least one engagement member of theplurality of engagement members is coupled to at least one vertical postof the plurality of vertical posts; and at least one modular deckcomprising: a plurality of mating structures coupled to corners of theat least one modular deck, each mating structure configured toreleasably mate with the at least one engagement member of the pluralityof engagement members on the at least one vertical post, wherein the atleast one engagement member comprises: a hanging member; a face plate;and and a receiving cup comprising: an angled receiving surface; and acentral receiving hole in a bottom of the angled receiving surface,wherein the central receiving hole is configured to receive a portion ofa mating structure of the plurality of mating structures.
 2. The modulardeck system according to claim 1, wherein each mating structurecomprises: a hanger bracket for coupling the mating structure to a frameof the modular deck; an extension member extending perpendicular to aface of the hanger bracket; and a pin extending parallel to the face ofthe hanger bracket.
 3. The modular deck system according to claim 2,wherein the pin has a diameter less than a diameter of the centralreceiving hole.
 4. The modular deck system according to claim 3, whereinthe pin is approximately 2-3 inches in length with a 30-40° chamferedpoint extending for 0.2-0.3 inches and terminating in a flat tip.
 5. Themodular deck system according to claim 4, wherein the angled receivingsurface is approximately 2-3 inches in width and 2-4 inches in length.6. The modular deck system according to claim 1, wherein the receivingcup has a semi-circular bore along a lower portion of the receiving cupextending perpendicular to a plane of the face plate.
 7. The modulardeck system according to claim 2, wherein the face plate comprises anopening for receiving a first end of a locking pin located within aframe of the modular deck, and wherein, in an extended position, thelocking pin engages an underside of the circular bore to lock themodular deck to a vertical post.
 8. The modular deck system according toclaim 7, wherein a second end of the locking pin is located in a groovehaving an open-end rectangle shape, and wherein movement of the secondend of the locking pin from a first end of the groove having theopen-end rectangle shape to a second end of the groove having theopen-end rectangle shape causes the first end of the locking pin toengage the underside of the circular bore.
 9. The modular deck systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the modular deck further comprises: aframe comprising: at least two tubular beams having open ends extendingan entire width of the modular deck, and a plurality of tubularcross-member beams extending perpendicular to the at least two tubularbeams, wherein the plurality of tubular cross-member beams are coupledto the at least two tubular beams at cutouts along sides of the at leasttwo tubular beams to form at least two channels extending an entirelength of the modular deck.
 10. The modular deck system according toclaim 1, further comprising: a plurality of post receiving structurescoupled to the base, wherein each vertical post is bolted or welded to acorresponding post receiving structure from the plurality of postreceiving structures.
 11. The modular deck system according to claim 1,wherein each vertical post comprises: at least one engagement memberreceiving structure comprising a receiving hole and a first bolt hole;wherein the face plate comprises a second bolt hole; wherein the hangingmember further comprises: a lip and a semi-circular lower portion,wherein the engagement member is coupled to the vertical post by a)inserting the lip into the receiving hole; b) rotating the engagementmember so that a front side of the lip contacts an interior of thevertical post and a rear surface of the face plate contacts an exteriorof the vertical post; and c) securing a bolt through the first bolt holeand the second bolt hole.
 12. The modular system deck according to claim10, wherein at least two sides of each vertical post comprises at leastone engagement member receiving structure.
 13. A modular deck systemcomprising: a base; a plurality of vertical posts coupled to the base; aplurality of engagement members, wherein at least one engagement memberof the plurality of engagement members is coupled to at least onevertical post of the plurality of vertical posts; and at least onemodular deck comprising: a plurality of mating structures coupled tocorners of the at least one modular deck, each mating structureconfigured to releasably mate with the at least one engagement member ofthe plurality of engagement members on the at least one vertical post;and an extension post slidingly received in at least one vertical postof the plurality of vertical posts, wherein the extension post can belocked in an extended position and a retracted position, wherein a sideof the extension post comprises at least two locking holes, a lockingmechanism coupled to an exterior of the at least one vertical postconfigured to engage the at least two locking holes, wherein the lockingmechanism comprises: a locking member having a button at a first end anda locking button at a second end, wherein the locking button isconfigured to engage the at least two locking holes; and a biasingmember for securing the locking mechanism and the locking member to aninterior of the vertical post; and a spring located between the buttonand a spring surface of the biasing member.
 14. The modular deck systemaccording to claim 13, wherein at least one corner of the extension postcomprises a rail.
 15. The modular deck system according to claim 14,wherein the rail comprises a plurality of surfaces, with at least twosurfaces of the plurality of surfaces of the rail engaging an interiorof the at least one vertical post.
 16. The modular deck system of claim13, wherein pressing the button causes the locking member to rotateabout the biasing member to cause the locking button to becomedisengaged from the locking holes.
 17. The modular deck system of claim13, wherein a lower half of the locking button comprises a 45° bevelededge.
 18. A modular deck system comprising: a base; a plurality ofvertical posts coupled to the base; a plurality of engagement members,wherein at least one engagement member of the plurality of engagementmembers is coupled to at least one vertical post of the plurality ofvertical posts; and at least one modular deck comprising: a plurality ofmating structures coupled to corners of the at least one modular deck,each mating structure configured to releasably mate with the at leastone engagement member of the plurality of engagement members on the atleast one vertical post, wherein the plurality of vertical posts eachcomprises a plurality of vertical slots configured to receive at leastone shoring beam; and wherein the modular deck system further comprises:at least one magnetic shoring beam comprising: a central shoring beamportion; and a sliding subassembly slidable within a track of thecentral shoring beam portion, wherein an end of the sliding subassemblyterminates with a L-shaped magnetic clip, wherein a first portion of theL-shaped magnetic clip is configured to be received into a firstvertical slot of the plurality of vertical slots, and wherein a secondportion of the L-shaped magnetic clip comprises a flat surface having acoplanar or recessed magnet.
 19. The modular deck system according toclaim 18, wherein a magnetic force from the magnet causes the firstportion to be retained within the first vertical slot.